Southern Illinois University College Portrait

Southern Illinois University

At Southern Illinois University Carbondale, you'll find the perfect balance of teaching and research without compromising on either. Faculty and students share a set of high expectations – what we expect from ourselves as well as each other.

At Southern Illinois University Carbondale, you'll find the perfect balance of teaching and research without compromising on either. Faculty and students share a set of high expectations – what we expect from ourselves as well as each other.

With all the brains of a nationally ranked research university and the heart of a small college, our intense academic focus is powered by relationships. Our faculty are some of the most cited experts in their fields, yet they still give students the personal attention to help find and develop their strengths. Being a top-tier university means more than offering classroom theory, it’s also providing the practical hands-on experience and pursuing a passion that comes with being a Saluki.

So no matter how far you want to go, SIU can shrink the distance between where you are and where you want to be. Here are just some of the ways we stand out:

Ranked in the top 4% of higher ed institutions by the National Science Foundation

More than 200 majors, including stellar programs such as Architecture, Business, Engineering, Journalism, Theater and Zoology

U.S. News & World Report's "Best Colleges 2013" placed SIU into Tier One of "Top Public Universities: National Universities"

Students participate in research as early as freshman year

More than 80% of our undergraduate class sections have fewer than 30 students

With all the brains of a nationally ranked research university and the heart of a small college, our intense academic focus is powered by relationships. Our faculty are some of the most cited experts in their fields, yet they still give students the personal attention to help find and develop their strengths. Being a top-tier university means more than offering classroom theory, it’s also providing the practical hands-on experience and pursuing a passion that comes with being a Saluki.

So no matter how far you want to go, SIU can shrink the distance between where you are and where you want to be. Here are just some of the ways we stand out:

Ranked in the top 4% of higher ed institutions by the National Science Foundation

More than 200 majors, including stellar programs such as Architecture, Business, Engineering, Journalism, Theater and Zoology

U.S. News & World Report's "Best Colleges 2013" placed SIU into Tier One of "Top Public Universities: National Universities"

Students participate in research as early as freshman year

More than 80% of our undergraduate class sections have fewer than 30 students

Living in the Salukis Community

A cultural oasis surrounded by nature

With 8,474 acres of possibilities, SIU blends the natural with the academic. With plenty of green space perfectly suited to walking or bicycling, SIU is the quintessential college campus -- with extras. The city of Carbondale offers unique boutiques, eateries and art galleries, and the campus is within minutes of scenic state parks and a national forest. Major metropolitan areas are within easy driving distance. This is the Saluki network, where alumni frequently return to re-experience the atmosphere that challenges students to be difference makers.

With 8,474 acres of possibilities, SIU blends the natural with the academic. With plenty of green space perfectly suited to walking or bicycling, SIU is the quintessential college campus -- with extras. The city of Carbondale offers unique boutiques, eateries and art galleries, and the campus is within minutes of scenic state parks and a national forest. Major metropolitan areas are within easy driving distance. This is the Saluki network, where alumni frequently return to re-experience the atmosphere that challenges students to be difference makers.